Colgate Inn hires new general manager

HAMILTON, N.Y. — A hotel and restaurant management professional, with local roots and experience that includes three years at a restaurant with three Michelin stars, has been named general manager of the historic Colgate Inn.

Kendra L. Young, originally of nearby Homer, N.Y., is now leading staff at the inn as they embark on sweeping improvements to the location’s tavern, dining, and lodging experience.

“This is like coming home,” Young said. “I come from a family of dairy farmers, so the farm-to-table movement is really important to me, and I’m so excited to be back in a small community that is so much like where I grew up.”

Young studied hospitality management at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., and took part in an internship at Walt Disney World before becoming the assistant private dining manager at Per Se Restaurant in New York City.

At the three-star Per Se, Young managed the front-of-house staff and helped coordinate special events. Young later spent time working at the legendary Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., before returning to the Northeast, eventually working for the Colgate Inn’s management group, Charlestowne Hotels, as general manager of the Stowehof Hotel in Stowe, Vt.

At the Stowehof, Young helped transition a family-owned inn into a professionally managed boutique hotel, elevating service standards throughout the guest experience and overseeing all operations, including food and beverage, maintenance, rooms, human resources, and accounting.

"It didn't take long for us to recognize Ms. Young's talent, and we are thrilled to offer a position worthy of her ability," remarks Michael Tall, president and COO of Charlestowne Hotels. "Her effectiveness as a leader and her natural ability to intuit guest needs makes her the ideal candidate to take on this opportunity. We're looking forward to what her addition will bring to the hotel, campus, and Hamilton community."

Now in her first few weeks as general manager of the Colgate Inn, Young said she is focused on getting to know the community and her team of hospitality professionals.

Since 1925, the Colgate Inn has been a focal point in Hamilton. Thanks to its strong connection to Colgate University, the inn brings a combination of both tradition and hospitality to guests. With 40 rooms and suites, a restaurant, and an array of event spaces and services, the Colgate Inn provides an unforgettable Hamilton experience.

“I’ve learned a lot of professional and personal lessons throughout my past experiences that have shaped who I am today,” Young said. “I look forward to bringing those lessons to the inn and incorporating them to elevate our guests experience while fostering a close relationship with the University and placing a strong importance on hearing the voice of our community.”